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Celebrations to commemorate the UAE’s 40th National Day commenced yesterday (Monday 28th November) in Abu Dhabi University, offering students, faculty, staff and visitors alike the chance to enjoy folkloric dances, traditional handicrafts, poetry recitals, car decoration competitions, cultural art exhibitions and an interactive kids corner. Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs, Abu Dhabi Police (GHQ) and Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, the week-long festivities at ADU this year have adopted the slogan “Investing in people...Empowering Communities”, and will focus on the importance of community cohesion, and coexistence and dialoguing with different peoples and cultures.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Nabi Ibrahim Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University explained that the celebrations this year are of special significance as they mark the passing of 40 years on the rise of a nation, and on such an occasion we have to admire the lessons we can learn from the progress and prosperity of the UAE. “There are many values that can be derived from the UAE’s progress, one of which is the strength in unity, and the importance of enhancing the spirit of social solidarity, coexistence and dialoguing with different peoples and cultures. These are the values that were inspired by the founding father of the UAE the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan”, said Dr. Nabil.

Dr. Ibrahim added that it is now the responsibility of future generations to continue the country’s social and economic development process, and Abu Dhabi University is committed to building the UAE’s human capital, and graduating future leaders who will participate in nation building.

In her speech, Mariam Al Khataibi from the Ministry of Social Affairs expressed that choosing the theme of "community cohesion" to celebrate the UAE’s 40th National Day is befitting to the occasion, as the country’s union 40 years ago reinforced the importance of solidarity and cooperation with other cultures, and through this celebration we seek to promote a sense of belonging and instill national values ​​in the hearts of citizens and residents of the UAE.

Fares Al Rashedi, speaking on behalf of Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Chief of Communication at the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) said: “On such a occasion, we must pause and remember the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the nation and the inspiration to a union that has changed our lives and made a significant impact on both regional and global levels”. He added that the strategic collaboration with Abu Dhabi University in organizing the National Day Celebrations stems from our confidence in the younger generations and their ability to maintain the UAE’s heritage with all its culturally rich elements that reflect features of our national identity.

The National Day festivities at ADU will host folkloric musical performances by Zayed Childhood Theatre, a personal development seminar organized by the International Performance Excellence Foundation and Dubai Drums, a poetry recital organized by ADACH and a music operetta performed by Nahda National school students.

In addition to the participation of several associations such as Emirates Autism Center, Gulf Autism Centre, Center of Special Needs Development, Al Ain Folkloric Arts Center, Egyptian Ladies Cooperation, Sudanese Ladies Club, Jordanian Ladies Club and Indian Ladies Club.

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Background information

The dream began with the Charter of Abu Dhabi University in the year 2000, After three years of planning, the university opened its doors in September 2003, to an entering class of 1,000 students on its two campuses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Unlike other colleges and universities in the UAE, ADU undertook the measures necessary to ensure that all of the degree programs it would offer had secured accreditation from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in advance of any students enrolling in them.More...

The dream began with the Charter of Abu Dhabi University in the year 2000, After three years of planning, the university opened its doors in September 2003, to an entering class of 1,000 students on its two campuses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Unlike other colleges and universities in the UAE, ADU undertook the measures necessary to ensure that all of the degree programs it would offer had secured accreditation from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in advance of any students enrolling in them.

ADU offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees based upon the American model of higher education.